Serial Review! Shadow Wranglers #1 & #2

Sometimes I read series where each book can stand all on it's own, and I personally believe that is what makes a series great. Sometimes though, a series is nothing more than and incredibly long story in which it takes forever for anything to really happen. That's not such a good thing.


I'm getting a little ahead of myself though. I've recently read both Caleb and Jared, the first two books in Sarah McCarty's Shadow Wrangler's Series.

Allie always desired mysterious, sexy rancher Caleb Johnson, but he never seemed to notice her. Until the night she's attacked by a vicious animal, and rescued by a shapeshifting vampire that she almost seems to recognize: the baritone growl, the mesmerizing eyes, the inexplicable animal attraction. That's because her savior is Caleb, and now he has no choice but to bring Allie into the shadows with him-to protect her from a rival werewolf pack, and to finally reveal his true feelings for the woman he's been afraid to love. 

Meet Jared-a cowboy with bite-in the latest paranormal romance from the national bestselling author. Jared Johnson has always been a force to be reckoned with, first as an outlaw and now as a vampire. Caught in a war between immortals, he doesn't have time to waste, but when a female vampire is attacked, he can't just walk away. He expects a quick good­bye, but what he gets is a vulnerable woman who intrigues and seduces while giving away nothing of the secrets holding her hostage. Raisa may not have extreme physical strength, but she's been able to survive as a vampire longer than most by keeping to herself. But that's about to change. Forced to accept Jared's protection, Raisa finds it increasingly hard to resist his forbidden allure while keeping the secret that could destroy them both.

- Synopsis from Goodreads

I'll start by saying that I was excited to read this books. I had high expectations. I am a huge Sarah McCarty fan after reading her Hell's Eight Series.  Also, I've not really read vampire or werewolf books before. I was told that these books are vampire light and heavy on the cowboys (my favorite!). So yeah, I had seriously high expectations for this series. 


I was very disappointed, starting with Caleb. There is some high action in the very beginning of the book, and then there is a long span of seemingly nothing happening. Then there is a huge battle scene near the end and it feels like it should be over, but it's not. I just felt like the book dragged a bit. I can only read so many battle scenes that don't move the plot along. The chemistry between Caleb and Allie was good, but it wasn't quite enough to carry the book.


Hoping that the series would get better I moved on to the second book. Unfortunately, I liked Jared even less than I liked Caleb. It felt like nothing really happened until the last 30 pages or so. Even then, I called everything. Now, I enjoy the little burst of pride that comes with figuring something out before the author actually tells you, but it was just too easy.


I also wish the characters had a little more depth. There is so much activity happening that I didn't feel like I got a good grasp on the personalities of the characters.


Having said all that... I will probably keep reading. Maybe because I'm a glutton, but more because I still really want to like this series! I like the author and I hate to think that the whole series is a dud. For both of the first two books, I can only give two cups. As of right now, I just can't recommend them. If I keep reading though, I will keep reviewing. Maybe they will get better? I don't know. We shall see.

Books contain scenes of explicit sex, not recommended for those under 18.